Data Driven Pages

[jeffmccann]

I have set up data driven pages with a locator map.  As i scroll through the main pages the locator map does not follow with the sheets?  I followed the directions in the help file to a "T".....  any thoughts?

[JeffBarrette]

A common scenario is that the locator map shows the entire entent and as you go from page to page in DDP, the extent of the main dataframe is displayed in the locator map.

It is important that you get the directionality of the extent indicator correct.  If you accidentally show the extent of the locator map in the main dataframe you will not see anything because the locator extent is well outside the extent of the main data frame.

Be sure to build the extent indicator on the locator data frame.

Jeff

[jeffmccann]

That is how I built the locator map, the extents are correct.  The only issue I am having is that the locator does not change locations in sequence with the main layout.  Everything for the locator was built within the locator data frame... i am beside myself on this.....

[jeffmccann]

I revisited this and the indicator is moving around the tiles as I wish.  I did not see it initially due to the scale of my data frame.  What I am looking for is that the data frame pans to the selected page ID�?�..  Under 8.3 I had a VBA code to build the map books and this was how the locator interacted with the main data frame...... is this possible in 10?

[T__WayneWhitley · Accepted solution]

I don't think this is the function of a 'map locator', but don't despair, there is built-in functionality.  First, if you'll bear with me, let's make sure the gist of 'what it is' and 'what you ask' are being distinguished.

If I am not mistaken, the map locator function (which I use myself in a deployment of DDP) is to highlight where in an overview map the current page is located in the context of other features, most particularly the other grids in the index.

If it helps, you may add an additional data frame to do what I call synch extents, which does exactly what you ask.  Use the new functionality (new as of ver 10 I think) to set the Extent based on Other Data Frame, and specify how much you want to zoom, clip options, etc.  I assume you'd like a 'pseudo-locator map' in that you'd like to zoom out partially to 'see' features in relation to other features in other pages - just you don't want to zoom out fully to the point there is too much detail (or the highlighted page isn't in the extent).  So 'Data Frame Properties' >> 'Data Frame tab >> Extent >> etc., etc., and I just tested this, so thank you, I may add this to my map book as well.  Thank you for the question.

[jeffmccann]

That worked....  I did not have to create a pseudo frame�?�. In the Locator Map frame I made the following changes:

Data Frame Tab:

Extent = Other Data Frame
Other Data Frame = Layers (main view of mapping)
Margin and Specify Using: I had to play with these settings to find what worked best
Zoom to features�?�. = Locator Mask Current Page (Layer corresponding to the DDP

[T__WayneWhitley]

Very nice...that's more or less what I was experimenting with - attached is a rough draft of the pdf export of portions of 3 pages (with the 'locator' maps placed on 1 page for easier viewing -- 1 is the full extent of a strip grid; the other is from a 'pseudo-zoom frame' for lack of a better term.)
Both (or either) can be used, I guess, but what I'll do is pitch the choice to the guys who have to look at them everyday!

Good work.

-Wayne

[JoelCalhoun]

The way I've done this in the past is to simply make a copy of the data frame that contains the Index Grid.
Remove the layers that are't needed and zoom to the desired extent and voila! Locator map.

There are a couple of setup steps that need to be done to create the "Active Page" locator layer.

I have included a couple of screen shots from a DDP presentation I gave that should explain how to set it up.

These screen shots assume that you have already set up your DDP atlas.


Joel

[jeffmccann]

Attached is a PDF containing 2 of the maps that will be the final delivery.  As you scoll through them the locator map will update as will the dynamic text placed....  such a better way to create and output the files vs. maintaining almost 200 seperate map documents for this project....

Thanks to all for their input and advice....

Jeff